Madison uses drones for public safety, searches and marketing

MADISON – For several years, the City of Madison has used drone technology for public safety and city operations.

The city has utilized modern technology for public safety operations and has equipped police and fire personnel with Unmanned Aerial Systems or UAS for public safety needs. The Federal Aviation Administration or FAA has certified Madison’s program. Two pilots from Madison Fire and Rescue Department have access to four operating drones. Three pilots from Madison Police Department use an additional four operating drones, according to city’s press release.

During public events, including Madison Street Festival or Stars and Stripes Forever Celebration for the Fourth of July, these pilots confirm safety in crowds. To give first-responders a bird’seye view, drones have been deployed for search and rescue missions.

These drones are equipped with infrared cameras to detect body heat. The city has led regional instructional sessions with Adorama Drones to share best practices for use in public safe- ty.

However, the program isn’t limited to law enforcement or first-responders. The city’s Engineering Department deploys a drone to inspect water runoff and erosion, making their jobs more efficient and detecting problems with drainage across Madison. The city’s Communications team captures images of city events for marketing purposes.

All of Madison’s drones are registered with the FAA and follow federal rules and regulations. Airspace that the FAA controls within Madison is fairly limited, considering proximity of Huntsville International Airport and Redstone Arsenal. Local law enforcement and first-responders operate by a Certificate of Authorization to fly in restricted airspace.

However, hobbyists and recreational drone pilots cannot fly in restricted airspace without prior authorization from proper channels. FAA registration is required for any recreational drone weighing more than approximately one-half pound and all drones flown with Part 107 rules.

With current federal regulations in place, drone pilots must operate safely, without causing hazard to people or property. If someone is flying unsafely and posing an immediate threat within city limits, contact the Madison Police Department.

The FAA does not regulate privacy. Under federal law, it’s illegal to shoot at an aircraft. A private citizen shooting at any aircraft – including unmanned aircraft – poses a significant safety hazard and could result in a civil penalty from criminal charges from federal, state or local law enforcement; the FAA; or both.

Recreational flyers, or those individuals who fly for fun, personal enjoyment or with an educational institution, must follow certain guidelines:

• Learn the rules for recreational flyers, as defined by the FAA.

• Review a list of community- based organizations that the FAA recognizes.

• Take “The Recreational UAS Safety Test” or TRUST. UAS is an abbreviation for unmanned aircraft systems.

• Register drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds at the FAADroneZone site.

• Research the locations where you can fly the drone without any violations.

In addition, a Certificated Remote Pilot can fly a drone for commercial, government or any other non-recreational purposes. These pilots satisfy these guidelines:

• Learn the regulations for certificated remote pilots.

• Register all drones that weigh less than 55 pounds at the FAADroneZone site.

• Research to determine locations where you can legally fly the drone.